Question on 10 digit product code for my M686.

[rubiranch]

I posted a few pictures of my 686 and the box label some time ago and, I apologize that I can not remember his name, but gave me the following reply.

Colonel Critt...... ?





Here's his reply,

"686 6"
Wow. That's a great old label. It's the type seen on very early 1-piece boxes. Notice it has no 4-digit Spec. Ord. number, 6-digit Product Code, or computer bar code.

Based on the serial number it likely shipped in....

March - August of 1983.

The gun is marked with a "M", so it has had the factory modification - a new firing pin and frame bushing. The old style 10-digit Product Code, 6860096035, and feature codes, mean:

6860 - model number and dash number.
09 - brushed stainless finish.
60 - six inch barrel.
03 - square butt frame.
5 -? (I haven't figured this one out yet).
TS - wood Target Stocks.
HP - High Patridge front sight.
S - Stainless.

The rear sight looks like an aftermarket Millett. Those aren't original. The price tags are pretty cool.

The gun has a adjustable trigger overtravel stop. That little piece of metal peaking out behind the trigger. It's adjusted by removing the sideplate and loosening a screw that allows the stop to cam forward and back."

So my question is, does anyone have any idea what the "5" in the product code stands for??

 

[schutz5]

The month of May?
My 586 from the Sam era is an "HP" also.
Cool!

 

[s&wchad]

No idea on the code, but the member who helped you was Kernel Crittenden.

Unfortunately, he passed away last year.

 

[Old Wheel Man]

I have a 686 four inch from the same era with that label.
The last digit on mine is a is a 7. Mine has the red ramp
front sight and white outline. So it may be a good guess
the digit refers to the sights.

 

[rubiranch]

No idea on the code, but the member who helped you was Kernel Crittenden.

Unfortunately, he passed away last year.

Thank you. That was a sad day for sure.
He helped sooo many members, including me.

 

[rubiranch]

I have a 686 four inch from the same era with that label.
The last digit on mine is a is a 7. Mine has the red ramp
front sight and white outline. So it may be a good guess
the digit refers to the sights.

Maybe I'll have to ask Mr Jinks.

The HP on the label, "features" designates that it came with a High Patridge front sight.

What does your's have marked there on your label.

The month as mentioned above is a possibility too.

 

[snw19_357]

The last digit is features. 1 = standard, 4 = TT/TH but standard sights, 8= TT/TH/RR/WO
(but the M29 came standard with those so a 1 on a Model 29, unless didn't ship with presentation case, then 6).

In this case you are right, the "5" means High Patridge.
Looks like the 6" came standard with a low Patridge (1), if it had a red ramp (3), RR/WO (7).

From the May, 84 catalog and the Nov, 83 retail price list, which also shows the new six digit product code 104207.

 

[rubiranch]

The last digit is features. 1 = standard, 4 = TT/TH but standard sights, 8= TT/TH/RR/WO
(but the M29 came standard with those so a 1 on a Model 29, unless didn't ship with presentation case, then 6).

In this case you are right, the "5" means High Patridge.
Looks like the 6" came standard with a low Patridge (1), if it had a red ramp (3), RR/WO (7).

From the May, 84 catalog and the Nov, 83 retail price list, which also shows the new six digit product code 104207.

Thank you very much.
I really appreciate your help.
Kenny

 

[kaaskop49]

Anyone else notice the original price drop on the box? $303, reduced to $299.99. This is a perfect example of someone years ago who hates a nickel because it's not a dime. BTW, nice gun OP! Just bought a 6" bbl 686+ myself. Those 5-yard targets don't stand a chance!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[rubiranch]

Anyone else notice the original price drop on the box? $303, reduced to $299.99. This is a perfect example of someone years ago who hates a nickel because it's not a dime. BTW, nice gun OP! Just bought a 6" bbl 686+ myself. Those 5-yard targets don't stand a chance!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

42 out of 50 at 100 ft. 125 gr .357 Magnum. That's the best I've done.
This 686 is the most accurate gun I own.